Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho emphasized the need for mutual oversight and cross-verification of investigative agencies during discussions on amending the criminal procedure law, which includes the abolition of prosecutorial supplementary investigation rights.
Minister Jeong attended a meeting of the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee on July 8, where he responded to lawmakers' inquiries regarding the proposed amendments. He stated, "There needs to be oversight and control over investigative agencies."
In response to Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-hee's comment that no investigative agency should wield unchecked power and that innocent victims should not arise, Jeong affirmed, "The fundamental principle of separating investigation and prosecution must be clearly upheld," while urging the National Assembly to discuss the necessity of cross-verification in investigations in depth.
Jeong also addressed allegations of evidence destruction by the police, stating, "We need to monitor the police's internal review and measures closely," adding, "There have been 11 instances where the prosecution had to supplement matters that were not properly handled at the police level. This raised suspicions that warranted a thorough examination."
Regarding the direction of the criminal procedure law amendment, he noted, "Given the past where the prosecution monopolized and misused its authority, the principle of separating investigation and prosecution must be firmly maintained," while reiterating the need for oversight and control over investigative agencies and cross-verification in investigations, urging committee members to discuss these issues thoroughly.
He stressed, "The most important thing is that the protection of citizens' rights and crime victims is not neglected," and stated that the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution would actively express their opinions during the discussion process.
However, he firmly rejected allegations from opposition lawmakers regarding the prosecution's alleged media manipulation. In response to criticisms from Democratic Party lawmaker Park Ji-won and Justice Party lawmaker Park Eun-jung, who claimed that the prosecution was colluding with political circles to engage in excessive media play to secure supplementary investigation rights, Jeong countered, "This is completely unfounded."
He explained, "This case has raised several allegations since its referral, and the Gwangju District Prosecutor's Office is taking necessary actions. The media's focused coverage is simply reporting on the situation, and suggesting any ulterior motives is a gross misunderstanding."
Meanwhile, on the same day, Jeong visited the National Assembly to meet with National Assembly Speaker Kim Jong-in and Democratic Party floor leader Han Byeong-do, requesting cooperation for the passage of key livelihood legislation.
Jeong posted a photo of his meeting with Speaker Kim and Floor Leader Han on Facebook, stating, "As we enter the second year of the people's sovereignty government, it is a crucial time to demonstrate stable governance and tangible results that the public can feel, including the swift legislative review and enactment of the 'Ministry of Justice's 20th livelihood and safety bill,' which includes strengthening penalties for stalking and fraud crimes."
According to the Ministry of Justice, a total of 38 laws under its jurisdiction have passed the National Assembly in the past year, marking a 65% increase compared to the previous year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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